Dog Days

By David Lubar

Larry can't stop thinking about the growling dog in the alley. He already has three strays in his backyard. How can he afford to take care of another one? When his brother Paul points out a strange mark in the alley, Larry has a mystery to solve. What is the dog protecting? What is really going on in that dark alley?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781467732109

David Lubar

David Lubar grew up in New Jersey and now lives next door in Pennsylvania. Armed with a degree in philosophy from Rutgers University and no marketable job skills, he spent several years as a starving writer before accidentally discovering that he knew how to program computers. He is now a full-time writer and the author of eleven books for teens and young readers, including Dunk (Clarion Books), Flip (Tor), and Wizards of the Game (Philomel). David Lubar lives with his wife; they have one highly intelligent daughter and three idiosyncratic cats.

Book preview

NINTH

CHAPTER 1

A SPOT OF TROUBLE

Larry Haskins blocked the morning sun with his right hand and tried to spot the fly ball that was dropping from the sky. He caught sight of it high up, almost blending with a small patch of summer clouds.

Got it! Larry shouted. He brought his glove into position and dashed forward. There weren’t many things as wonderful as the smack of a hardball landing dead center in the web of a welloiled glove. It was especially wonderful because Adam Felcher had hit the ball. Last inning, Adam had caught Larry’s line drive just before it would have sailed over the fence.

This was payback time—bottom of the ninth, two outs, the tying run on second.

Larry glanced away from the ball long enough to check the infield. The kid on second had reached third. Adam had rounded first and was tearing toward second. It didn’t matter how far he got. He’d be out as soon as Larry made the play.

Plunging like a diving hawk, the ball was headed right for Larry’s glove. Around the infield, his teammates yelled for him to make the catch. He tuned out the voices. Nothing existed in the world but the ball and his glove.

Lar-r-r-ry! A frightened shout ripped the air behind him. Startled, Larry glanced over his shoulder. His six-year-old brother, Paul, ran onto the field from a hole in the fence. Larry, come with me! You have to come! he yelled.

With a sudden rush of panic, Larry realized he’d taken his eyes off the ball. He flung his arm up. The ball hit the top of his glove and grazed off. It struck the ground, bounced against a rock, and skittered across the grass like a frightened rabbit.

Larry chased the ball. From the cheers that rose behind him, he knew that the tying run had already scored. He snatched the ball with his bare hand and spun, making the throw to Mark Tilly at second base just as Adam reached third. The throw was perfect. Mark caught it, turned toward the plate, and hurled a bullet to the catcher. Adam slid into home—just ahead of the throw.

Safe! the kid behind the plate called.

The whole time, Paul kept shouting, Larry! Larry! Larry . . .

Larry glared at his brother. What are you doing in town?

Mom sent me to the store for a spool of thread, Paul said.

Then go to the store, Larry said. "They don’t sell thread here. They sell it there." He pointed past the field, down

Reviews for Dog Days

[sullywriter_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet, gentle story about a boy and a dog.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, I really liked this. Larry is a great kid - a hero to the dogs and his little brother, and still a normal, healthy, fun-loving boy who can't get enough of baseball with his gang of friends. No fantasy, no scary drama, no dysfunction - just a real-life mystery and a happy ending. I highly recommend it to kids (not just boys, and not just reluctant readers) age 7-11 or so.

Would make a great family read-aloud. Graceful text, and lots to discuss.

Just don't expect Lubar's weird sense of humor. Enjoy this on its own merits.

[nfigue1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Dog Days focuses on the traditional day-to-day life of a young boy, Larry. Sharing the ups and downs of Larry’s summer adventure, readers are introduced to the sibling’s relationship and the boy’s discoveries. This book showcases the rewards of creativity and a decent work ethic, specifically with Larry’s contribution to stray dogs. This is a perfect first mystery novel for students at the elementary level. The length of the story is good enough to present a solid story, while not being overwhelming. This book also serves as a great read for younger boys who have an interest in dogs, animal rescue, and/or baseball.